ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President greets the nation on the eve of Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Bihu and other festivals
The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has wished the people on the eve of Makar Sankranti and Pongal. Following is the full text of his message –
“I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti and Pongal.
Dedicated to the Sun God, Makar Sankranti signifies the beginning of the auspicious Uttarayana period. The festival is known by different names in different parts of our country. It is Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, Vishu in Kerala, in Punjab and Haryana it is called Lohri and Khichdi festival in Bihar. Reflecting the underlying cultural unity of our country, all these festivals symbolize good harvest, prosperity and gratitude.
May Makar Sankranti bring prosperity, peace and harmony in everyone’s life."
Following is the Hindi version of the message -
“मैं मकर संक्रांति और पोंगल के पावन अवसर पर अपने सभी देशवासियों को हार्दिक बधाई और शुभकामनाएं देता हूं।
सूर्य भगवान को समर्पित मकर संक्रांति उत्तरायण की पावन अवधि के शुभारंभ का प्रतीक है। यह त्योहार देश भर में भिन्न-भिन्न नामों से मनाया जाता है। इसे तमिलनाडु में पोंगल, असम में बिहू, केरल में विशु, पंजाब और हरियाणा में लोहड़ी तथा बिहार में खिचड़ी त्योहार के नाम से मनाया जाता है। हमारे देश की अंतनिर्हित सांस्कृतिक एकता को दर्शाने वाले ये सभी त्योहार अच्छी फसल, समृद्धि और कृतज्ञता का प्रतीक हैं।
मैं कामना करता हूँ कि मकर संक्रांति सभी के जीवन में समृद्धि, शांति और सौहार्द लाए।”
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways floats the revised tender of semi high speed 44 Vande Bharat trains sets.
The tender is for '3 phase Propulsion, Control and other Equipment along with Bogies for Trains Sets"
Tender has been uploaded on www.ireps.gov.in
Indian Railways has floated the revised Tender of semi high speed 44 Vande Bharat trains sets.
The Tender is for -3 phase Propulsion, Control and other Equipment along with Bogies for Trains Sets.
Tender has been uploaded on www.ireps.gov.in
Pre bid meeting on 29.9.20
The Tender opening date is 17.11.20
The main features of the tender are as under:
I. Train sets shall be manufactured at ICF/Chennai, RCF/Kapurthala and MCF/Raebareli
II. It shall be local  tender.
III. Two stage, reverse auction shall take place.
The revised Tender is In line with Government of India’s preference for Make In India policy, the minimum local content percentage has been revised to 75%. .
It is the first big tender under revised DPIIT norms of AtmaNirbhar Bharat. Having atleast 75 % domestic components .
This tender is now a Domestic Tender. Only the Companies registered in India can apply and will have to quote in Indian Rupee.
Competition Commission of India
CCI approves acquisition of stake in Future Supply by Nippon Express
The Competition Commission of India  approves the acquisition of stake in Future Supply Chain Solutions Limited  by Nippon Express  Pte. Ltd. , under Section 31 of the Competition Act, 2002.
The proposed combination pertains to the acquisition by Nippon Express of approximately 22% of the total issued and paid up share capital of Future Supply, on a fully diluted basis.
Nippon Express is a Singapore-based wholly owned subsidiary of Nippon Express Co. Ltd., with operations over the South Asian and Oceania regions. It is Japan-based global logistics company, which provides one-stop logistics services, which include, transport services, global supply chain management, warehouse and distribution services, etc.
Future Supply is a third-party supply chain and logistics service provider in India which offers automated and IT-enabled warehousing, distribution and other logistics solutions. These services include,  contract logistics;  express logistics; and  temperature-controlled logistics. The Target, inter alia, offers warehousing and distribution services and automated technology systems to cater to its customers’ supply chain needs. Additionally, it also provides international freight forwarding services by water routes and air routes.
Detailed order of the Commission will follow.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 116.87 Cr
Nearly 33 Lakh doses administered in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently at 98.31%
8,488 New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
India's Active Caseload stands at 1,18,443
Weekly Positivity Rate  less than 2% for last 59 days
With the administration of 32,99,337 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 116.87 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 1,20,77,324 sessions.
The break-up of the cumulative figureas per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
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HCWs
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1st Dose
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1,03,82,290
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2nd Dose
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94,07,092
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FLWs
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1st Dose
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1,83,76,108
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2nd Dose
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1,63,19,085
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Age Group 18-44 years
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1st Dose
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44,29,75,971
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2nd Dose
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19,15,97,004
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Age Group 45-59 years
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1st Dose
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18,08,59,227
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2nd Dose
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11,12,04,851
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Over 60 years
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1st Dose
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11,32,78,631
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2nd Dose
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|
7,43,28,126
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Total
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1,16,87,28,385
The recovery of 12,510 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients  to 3,39,34,547.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.31%.
Sustained and collaborative efforts by the Centre and the States/UTs continue the trend of less than 50,000 Daily New Cases that is being reported for 148 consecutive days now.
8,488 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
The Active Caseload presentlystands at 1,18,443. Active cases presently constitute 0.34% of the country's total Positive Cases, which is lowest since March 2020.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of
7,83,567tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 63.25 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate at 0.93% remains less than 2% for the last 59 days now. The Daily Positivity rate reported to be1.08%. The daily Positivity rate has remained below2% for last 49 days and below 3% for 84 consecutive days now.
UPSC
Civil Services  Examination – 2018
Union Public Service Commission will be conducting the Civil Services  Examination-2018 on 03.06.2018  all over India. The Commission has uploaded the e‑Admit Card for the convenience of the admitted candidates on its website . The candidates are advised to download their e-Admit Cards and take a printout thereof. The admitted candidates will have to produce the printout of their e-Admit Card at the allotted Venue for appearing at the Examination.
In case the photograph is not clear, blurred or not available on the e-Admit Card, candidates will have to carry two  identical photographs  along with proof of Identity such as Aadhaar Card, Driving License, Passport, Voter ID Card etc. and the printout of e-Admit Card at the Venue of the Examination for appearing at the Examination with an undertaking. No paper Admit Card will be issued for this Examination. In case of any discrepancy in the e-Admit Card, the same may be communicated to the Commission immediately by email  for taking the decision in the matter.
The candidates are advised to take a printout of the e-Admit Card well in advance to avoid the last minute rush. “Important Instructions to the candidates” must be read carefully by the candidates.
It may also be noted that entry into the Examination Venue shall be closed 10 minutes before the scheduled commencement of the Examination i.e. 09:20 A.M. for the Forenoon Session and 02:20 P.M. for the Afternoon Session. No candidate shall be allowed the entry into the Examination Venue after closure of the entry.
Candidates should also note that they shall not be allowed to appear at any other Examination Venue except the Examination Venue mentioned in the e-Admit Card.
Candidates are also advised to bring Black Ball Point Pen as the candidates shall be required to fill the OMR Answer Sheets and Attendance List with Black Ball Point Pen only.
Candidates may submit representations, if any, on the questions asked in the Question Papers of this Examination to the Commission through the “Online Question Paper Representation Portal ” only by accessing the URL: http://upsconline.nic.in/miscellaneous/QPRep/ during the period from 4th-10 June, 2018. No representation through any other mode and after 10th June, 2018 shall be accepted by the Commission.
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Mobile phone, , pager or any electronic equipment or programmable device or storage media like pen drive, smart watches etc. or camera or Bluetooth devices or any other equipment or related accessories either in working or switched off mode capable of being used as a communication device and calculator are banned inside the Examination Hall. Any infringement of these instructions shall entail disciplinary action against the concerned candidates including debarment from future Examination / Selection.
Valuable / costly items and bags are also not allowed inside the Examination Venue.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Inauguration of the Loading Operation on Maiden Voyage of Coastal Shipping Service “Green Freight Corridor-2” from Cochin Port to Beypore and Azhikkal Ports
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has accorded high priority to building greater synergies between the Major Ports and Non-Major Ports in order to promote coastal trade and to provide sustainable, cost-effective and efficient Intermodal & Multimodal customer solutions. By doing so, the Ministry aims to provide seaborne connectivity to the trade and industries in the hinterland, reduce congestion on the road and rail besides bringing down logistics cost.
As a step in this direction, the Union Minister of State  for Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sri Mansukh Mandaviya today inaugurated the loading operation on the maiden voyage of Coastal Shipping Service “Green Freight Corridor-2” from Cochin Port to Beypore and Azhikkhal Ports.
Green Freight Corridor Service is operated by Round The Coast Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, a JM Baxi Group Company. This service will connect Kochi-Beypore-Azhikkal, and later Kollam port will be added to this service. M/s JM Baxi is the general agent for the service.
The vessel will call at Cochin Port twice a week and will feeder exim and coastal boxes to the ports of Beypore and Azhikkal.
The commodities that would be shipped would include Rice, Wheat, Salt, Construction Material, Cement, etc. unloaded at Cochin from Gujarat. On the return leg, the Operators are targetting to move exim cargo such as Plywood, Footwear, Textiles, Coffee, etc. Similarly the imported Cashew containers would also be moved from Cochin to Kollam at a later stage.
In order to promote coastal shipping of containers, Cochin Port is offering 50% rebate in vessel related charges for the River Sea vessels. Similarly, the Government of Kerala has also offered an operational incentive @10% above the road transportation cost as per the NATPC study report for coastal shipping in the minor ports in the state for a period of one year from 23.01.2021. These hand-holding measures would help the sustenance of the service during the initial period and would encourage introduction of more services of this kind on regular basis.
This service is expected to bring about a marked modal shift of transportation of containers and ease the congestion on the road and reduce carbon footprint. This also augurs well to connect the hinterlands of northern Kerala, particularly the exim trade in Calicut and Kannur region who will gain direct access to Vallarpadam ICTT by sea mode saving cost and transit time.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the passing away of MP Shri Santokh Singh Chaudhary
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the passing away of Member of Parliament, Shri Santokh Singh Chaudhary.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"Pained by the passing away of MP Shri Santokh Singh Chaudhary Ji. He will be remembered for his efforts to serve the people of Punjab. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti."
Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Gambia on Cooperation in the Field of Traditional Systems of Medicine
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding  between India and Gambia in the Field of Traditional Systems of Medicine. The MoU was signed in Gambia on 31st July 2019 during the visit of the President Shri Ram Nath Kovind.
The MoU will provide a framework for cooperation between India and Gambia for the promotion of traditional systems of medicine and will mutually benefit the two countries in this field. Activities mentioned in the MoU will boost the importance of AYUSH Systems of Medicine in Gambia.
As a consequence of the MoU, exchange of experts for training of the practitioners, and Scientists undertaking collaborative research in Traditional Systems of Medicine are expected to lead to new innovations in drug development and practice of Traditional Medicine.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding between India and Oman on Cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding  signed between India represented by the Indian Space Research Organization  and Oman represented by the Ministry of Transport and Communications on Cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, in February, 2018 at Muscat.
Details:
• This MoU shall enable the following areas of cooperation such as, space science, technology and applications including remote sensing of the earth; satellite based navigation; Space science and planetary exploration; use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system; and application of space technology.
• The MoU would lead to set up a Joint Working Group, drawing members from DOS/ISRO, and the Ministry of Transport and Communication , which will further work out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementing this MoU.
• It will provide impetus to explore newer research activities and application possibilities in the field of remote sensing of the earth; satellite navigation; space science and exploration of outer space.
Implementation Strategy and Targets:
The signed MoU would lead to setting up of a Joint Working Group, which will further work out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementing the provisions of this MoU.
Benefits:
MoU would lead to develop a joint activity in the field of application of space technologies for the benefit of humanity. Thus all sections and regions of the country will get benefited.
Impact:
• Cooperation with the Sultanate of Oman through this MoU would lead to develop a joint activity in the field of application of space technologies for the benefit of humanity.
Background:
• The Sultanate of Oman expressed interest to cooperate with Indian Space Research Organisation  for building its space programme. A 4-member delegation from the Oman's Department of Communication visited ISRO in March 2011 and interacted with ISRO officials and also visited ISRO's technical facilities. The Sultanate of Oman conveyed interest to pursue cooperation on Space Applications with ISRO to the Ambassador of India to Oman in May 2016.
• Accordingly, both sides arrived at mutually agreed version of MoU for in the peaceful uses of outer space and the same was signed between the Government of the Republic of India represented by the Indian Space Research Organization  and the Government of the Sultanate of Oman represented by the Ministry of Transport and Communications on February 11, 2018 at Muscat.
NITI Aayog
Payal Nath of Kolkata honoured in the Fifth Edition of Women Transforming India Awards by the NITI Aayog
75 Women honoured in the 75th year of India’s Independence
Payal Nath of Kolkata, co-founder of Kadam Haat is among the 75 women honoured as Women Transforming India by the NITI Aayog.
Women have consistently been playing a key role in transforming India into a ‘Sashakt Aur Samarth Bharat’. In recognition of the remarkable achievements of these women across diverse sectors NITI Aayog has instituted Women Transforming India Awards.
This year, as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to celebrate 75 years of India’s independence, the WTI Awards were conferred on 75 women achievers. Click here to know more about the other awardees.
Payal Nath, Kolkata, Kadam Haat
Payal Nath co-founded Kadam Haat & Kadam Foundation, an upskilling initiative for rural
artisans. Kadam Haat is a handicrafts store for both. The two organizations work in tandem
to skill, create opportunities for, and provide sustainable livelihoods to marginalized
communities in rural India. Using Green,100% eco-friendly local materials like grasses and
Green technology, Kadam has been training and bringing livelihood opportunities directly
to their homes, 85% of them being women. Making the rural enterprises equal stakeholders in this journey, they are today taking ownership and inspiring their peers.
Kadam Haat weaves a dream where the richness of rural lives is unleashed, every pair of hands has work, technology supports the communities and their environment, and every mind is creatively building Bharat.
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Cabinet
Cabinet approves Memorandum of Cooperation between India and Japan in the field of sustainable urban development
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approvedthesigning of Memorandum of Cooperation  on Sustainable Urban Development between the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Government of Japan, in supersession of existing MoU of 2007 on Urban Development.
Implementation strategy:
A Joint Working Group  will be constituted to strategize and implement programmes on cooperation under the framework of the MoC. The Joint Working Group will meet once in a year, alternately in Japan and in India.
The cooperation under this MoC will commence on the date of its signature and continue for a period of 5 years. Thereafter, it may be renewed automatically for further successive periods of 5 years at a time.
Major Impact:
The MoC will promote strong, deep and long-term bilateral cooperation in the field of Sustainable Urban Development between the two countries.
Benefits:
The MoC is expected to create employment opportunities in the areas of sustainable urban development, including Urban Planning, Smart Cities Development, Affordable Housing, , Urban Flood Management, Sewerage and Waste Water Management, Urban Transport  and Disaster Resilient development.
Details:
The objectives of the MoC are to facilitate and strengthen India-Japan technical cooperation in the field of Sustainable urban development including Urban Planning, Smart Cities Development, Affordable Housing , Urban Flood Management, Sewerage and Waste Water Management, Intelligent Transport Management System, Transit-Oriented Development, Multimodal Integration, Disaster Resilient development and other areas as mutually identified by both Sides. The proposed MoC will enable exchange of key learnings and best practices in the above-mentioned areas.
Ministry of Finance
ADB, India sign $220 million loan to strengthen power sector in Tripura
The Asian Development Bank  and the Government of India today signed a $220 million loan to improve energy security, quality of supply, efficiency, and resilience of power sector in Tripura.
The signatories to the Tripura Power Distribution Strengthening and Generation Efficiency Improvement Project were Shri Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance who signed for the Government of India, and Mr Hoe Yun Jeong, Officer-in-Charge of ADB’s India Resident Mission, who signed for ADB.
After signing the loan agreement Shri Mishra stated that the project will support the Government of Tripura’s efforts to strengthen its power sector through replacement of inefficient power plants, strengthen the distribution network and installation of smart meters that will help increase generation capacity, reduce distribution losses and to meet the increasing electricity demand to boost the state economy.
“The Project will fund the replacement of Rokhia power plant with a highly efficient combined cycle gas turbine that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions through fuel saving, modernize the state’s power distribution network and build institutional capacity and overall business process of the project executing agencies,” said Mr. Jeong.
It will also promote gender equality through pilot testing of gender and socially inclusive workplace practices. The project will support at least 15 selected women self-help groups  under Tripura rural livelihood mission targeting socio-economic empowerment of the rural poor and women of the state that will include farming and non-farming sector.
A reliable electricity supply will lead to social and economic benefits and improved conditions for schools, hospitals, and other social services.
The project components will be designed to withstand heavy rainfall, lightning, and storms with high wind speeds to help the region remain resilient to potential climate change risks. Distribution underground cabling will be installed by the horizontal directional drilling method or tunneling method to minimize road openings and reduce socio-environmental impacts during project implementation.
Ministry of Mines
Tripartite agreement signed between MECL, RSMML and DMG for harnessing Potash in Rajasthan
A tripartite agreement was signed between Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited , Rajasthan State Mines & Minerals Limited  and the Department of Mines & Geology , Govt. of Rajasthan for taking up feasibility studies of Solution Mining of Potash in the state of Rajasthan.
The MoU was signed virtually in the presence of Union Minister for Coal, Mines & Parliamentary Affairs Shri Prahlad Joshi, Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal and Chief Minister of Rajasthan Shri Ashok Gehlot.
Shri Prahlad Joshi said “MoU will pave the way to undertake feasibility studies for harnessing sub-surface salt deposits through solution mining, utilise Rajasthan’s rich mineral reserves, boost its economy and establish it as a hub of solution mining of potash, the 1st in the country”.
Rajasthan has huge Potash and Halite resources spread across 50,000 sq. kms in the Nagaur – Ganganagar basin in the northwest. GSI and MECL have established 2476.58 million tonnes and 21199.38 million tonnes of Potash & Halite respectively. Bedded Salt formations are strategically useful for underground oil storage, repositories for hydrogen, ammonia and helium gas, storage of compresses gas and nuclear waste. Potash & Sodium Chloride from the Bedded Salt are extensively used in the Fertiliser Industry and the Chemical Industry respectively.
MECL has been assigned as the program manager for taking up the feasibility study in the state with the help of an international consultant. Paving the way for the 1st Solution Mining project in the country, this project will generate employment as well as support the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan by way of generating import substitution by boosting the domestic mineral production of Potash and associated minerals.